Trial of ex-Okla. senator, 2 co-defendants starts

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The former leader of the Oklahoma Senate is scheduled go on trial Monday on federal charges that he accepted more than $400,000 in illegal payments from three companies that sought his influence.

Former Sen. Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, was one of the most powerful people in state government while he served as president pro tem or co-president pro tem of the Senate from March 2005 until he left office in November 2008.

Beginning Monday, federal prosecutors will air allegations before a 12-member jury that Morgan conspired with a lobbyist and an attorney to use his leadership role to steer bills on behalf of two of the companies he allegedly received payments from.